by and large

adverb

1. in general; on the whole

Word History and Origins

Origin of by and large¹

C17: originally nautical (meaning: to the wind and off it)

Idioms and Phrases

For the most part, generally speaking, as in By and large the novel was a success . This expression originated in 17th-century seamanship, where it referred to sailing into the wind and then off it, which made it easier to steer. By the early 1700s the term had been broadened to mean “in one direction and another,” whence its present meaning of “in general.” For a synonym, see for the most part .

Related Words

• altogether